He had only his pistols, but he
was a good shot, and he decapitated two of the birds in rapid
succession. Then he reloaded and killed a squirrel. When he returned,
Adan was on his knees, with his large cheeks distended, coaxing a
handful of dried leaves and twigs into flame. It was a half hour before
the pyre was large enough for the sacrifice, but after that the birds
and squirrel, which meanwhile had been skinned and washed in the creek,
were but a short time singeing. It was an ill-cooked meal, but when it
was over Roldan said solemnly,--
"I have eaten of all the delicious dishes of the Californias, including
many dulces, but nothing ever tasted as good as this; no, not even the
first breakfast at Casa Encarnacion."
"Nor to me," said Adan, emphatically, and he crossed himself.
XXIII
"Hallo!" shouted a peremptory voice. "Hallo! Hallo!"
"It's the Senor Jim," gasped Adan.
Roldan sprang to his feet. "Hallo!" he cried.
There was a heavy trampling in the chaparral, and a moment later Hill
rode into view. He took off his sombrero and waved it at the boys, but
did not speak until he had crossed the creek and dismounted.
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